Ben Nikodem Eyes University
of Chicago
In a few short weeks Ben Nikodem will conclude years of studies in the Huntington School District at the Class of 2014’s commencement exercises. The Huntington High School senior will depart following a remarkable run of excellence
Mr. Nikodem’s long trek toward graduation began in a kindergarten classroom at Southdown Primary School. Since then he has enjoyed a very well-rounded experience every step of the way, exploring a wide range of academic areas, art, music and athletics and even being able to find time to travel internationally.
Mr. Nikodem has challenged himself throughout high school. This year he is enrolled in Advanced Placement Literature and Composition, AP Government and Politics, AP Microeconomics, AP Physics, AP Calculus BC, AP Studio Art, Honors French V and Honors Orchestra this year.
“My favorite classes this year have been economics with Mr. James Graber and government with Mr. Joseph Leavy,” Mr. Nikodem said. “After spending so much time learning the past of the United States and the world, it has been very interesting to delve deeper into the social sciences of economics and government, because they add math and logic as well as current and relatable issues to the subject of history.”
The teenager is headed to the University of Chicago in the fall. “I’m not sure what area of study I will be pursuing, but I’m leaning towards social sciences of some sort,” he said. Mr. Nikodem was also accepted into Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University, Lehigh University, Binghamton University, Boston University and Colgate University.
“Ben is a fine example of what Huntington students can aspire to,” Mr. Graber said. “In AP Microeconomics he has proven to be inquisitive, diligent and responsible but at the same time is friendly and has a great sense of humor. I cannot wait to see what he achieves in college and beyond.”
“One of the highlights of my time in the district has been my participation in the music department,” Mr. Nikodem said. “I have played the double bass since fourth grade and have since picked up the bass guitar and piano.”
Artist and musician
The senior has been a member of Huntington’s chamber orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz band, pep band and pit orchestra since his freshman year. He’s participated in LISFA, SCMEA and NYSCAME festivals during middle and high school. “Some of my favorite moments have been playing a solo concerto in the chamber orchestra for this years’ honors concert, performing Christmas songs at the Carillon Nursing Home, learning to improvise in jazz band, and starting a band with my friends to play at the school talent shows,” Mr. Nikodem said.
Music has been a big part of Mr. Nikodem’s life in the Huntington School District. “I have especially enjoyed playing in the pit orchestra, as it is done in a very professional atmosphere and it is amazing seeing a full musical production fall into place over the course of just a few short weeks,” he said. “Ms. Lisa Leonardi, Mr. Brian Stellato and Mr. Jason Giachetti have been great teachers that have made my musical experience in high school unforgettable.”
Mr. Nikodem’s pursuit of personal and intellectual growth has impressed Huntington’s faculty members. “Ben is a leader by example, an inquisitive and lifelong learner and a young man with deep sensitivities to seeking solutions to issues in a way that considers all voices,” Mr. Leavy said. “He expresses himself in writing in a singularly creative way that lends color to his own voice, carrying a perspective that emanates empathy and receptivity.”
The teenager has been integrally involved in Huntington’s fine arts program throughout high school. His artwork is on permanent display in the high school’s science hallway. One of Mr. Nikodem’s pieces was featured in the Long Island’s Best exhibit at the Heckscher Museum of Art during his junior year. “Mrs. Kristin Singer has been with me every step of the way during high school and she has been a great influence on the exploration and fruition of my own artistic style,” he said in reference to one of Huntington’s art teachers.
Blue Devil fencer
A member of the Blue Devil varsity fencing team since his freshman year, Mr. Nikodem has been an integral member of the program. “It has been a surreal experience learning how to fence, as the sport is in fact much more than just swinging a sword around,” he said. “It’s all about anticipation, patience, footwork and wrist movement; four things that I think I have gotten the hang of due to much practice and help from coaches Alan Kuver and Mike Fabio.”
Captain of the fencing team this past winter, Mr. Nikodem said he had “a lot of fun” at the county tournament and the Huntington Relay Carnival, where he captured third place along with his teammates. He also thoroughly enjoyed traveling to the Concord Carlisle tournament in Massachusetts and competing with several other Blue Devil fencers.
Has traveled internationally
The teenager has enjoyed participating in private trips with classmates through EF Tours to Peru, Belize, London, Paris and Normandy. “It was remarkable climbing up Machu Picchu, zip lining through the jungle, snorkeling in a coral reef and gazing off the top of the Eiffel Tower alongside some of my greatest friends from school,” Mr. Nikodem said. “I’ve also had the opportunity to travel alongside some of the most knowledgeable, funny, and interesting teachers in the high school, including Ms. Camille Tedeschi, Mr. Erik Bruckbauer, Mr. Peter Crugnale and Ms. Pam Piffard.”
The senior has been inducted into Huntington High School’s chapters of the National Honor Society and the English, Math, Science, History, Art, French and Tri-M honor societies, too. Mr. Nikodem was this year’s Key Club historian and worked on that organizations K-Factor talent show with fellow club members and faculty advisors Kelly Krycinski and Gina Colica.
Mr. Nikodem’s commitment to excellence has been evident throughout his time in the district. “His future learning, I am sure, will further clarify his destined vocation, whatever that may be, but rest assured he will have an eminently positive effect in whatever he chooses to do in life,” Mr. Leavy said about the distinguished senior.
“My advice to incoming freshmen would be to get to know your teachers, as they are endless sources of information, advice, opportunities and guidance,” Mr. Nikodem said. “Don’t be afraid to try something new, unusual, and/or challenging, as the school offers a vast variety of different classes and clubs to pursue that cover almost all interests.”